Epidemic of underage alcohol abuse despite sales ban – Parents arrested, heavy fines on bu
Source: ProtoThema English
August, particularly its final week, was marked by alarming incidents of excessive alcohol consumption among minors, bringing to the forefront the problem of uncontrolled availability of alcoholic beverages to children and teenagers.
According to ygeiamou.gr, despite the recent Health Ministry bill that imposes strict penalties for selling alcohol to minors, the phenomenon persists, especially at local feasts and village festivals.
A striking example is the case of a 15-year-old girl in Agrinio, who on August 15 was found in a semi-comatose state after consuming a large amount of alcohol at a village party in Valtos. She had to be transferred to three different hospitals before her condition stabilized, while police arrested five individuals allegedly responsible for organizing the event.
A similar incident occurred days later in Crete, when a 14-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital in Lasithi with severe symptoms of intoxication, accompanied by her father.
The issue has reached such proportions that even artists addressing young audiences are speaking out. Popular trap artist Rack, during a concert, publicly told a 15-year-old fan that they should not consume alcohol, emphasizing the need for prevention and awareness.
Doctors in pediatric hospitals in Athens frequently deal with such cases. Data from the emergency departments of “Agia Sofia” and “Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou” Children’s Hospitals show that at least three times a week incidents of underage intoxication are recorded. The severity varies, from mild dizziness to acute poisoning requiring stomach pumping.
Health authorities acknowledge the problem runs deeper: minors often gain easy access to alcohol through peers or at events where checks are practically non-existent. While in large urban centers restrictions are enforced more strictly by mini markets and entertainment venues, in the provinces measures are often overlooked.
The adoption of the new law is seen as a first step, but its enforcement and monitoring will determine its effectiveness. In the meantime, hospitals and families are faced with a phenomenon that appears to be evolving into a serious social wound.
The key regulation of the new law requires proof-of-age documents for the purchase of alcohol or tobacco products. In general, the penalties include:
- For underage consumption of tobacco or alcohol: fines from €50 to €500. Repeat violations increase the amount.
- For managers of establishments: fines from €500 to €10,000. After the fourth repeat violation, the venue’s license is temporarily revoked for 10 days. At the fifth repeat violation, the license is permanently revoked.
- For selling or offering alcohol/tobacco to minors: fines from €500 to €10,000. In addition to the fine, the venue’s license may be suspended for 5–10 days, extended to 30 days for a first repeat violation. A second repeat violation results in permanent license revocation.
- For allowing minors into nightclubs and bars: fines from €500 to €10,000 per violation, plus temporary suspension of the venue’s license for 5 days (20 days on a repeat offense). A second repeat violation results in permanent license revocation.
According to data, alcohol consumption is one of the most frequent causes of death among Europe’s youth, particularly due to traffic accidents and other risky behaviors. Moreover, alcohol is the third leading risk factor for chronic diseases. Research shows it directly causes 60 different illnesses and is a contributing factor in 200 more.
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